We have two little kids, including a baby, and are moving soon to Hong Kong. Our moving expenses will be paid for. What do you recommend that we bring? Especially for anyone from the U.S., are there things that you took for granted back home that is just not available, or much more expensive, or just not the same quality there? (e.g., should I stock up on BPA-free food holders? Would it be silly to ship over the organic baby food I trust, as well as my older one's favorite goldfish crackers in bulk?)
What do you wish you could have brought to Hong Kong?
- Thread starter bkrent
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howardcoombs
Registered User
Goldfish (in multitude of flavours) is widely available in Hong Kong. I wouldn't bother with them. Bring a nice crib if you have one (nice ones are very expensive here), bring a buggy/stroller but only if its not one of those giant ones. Hong Kong is a small place and a big stroller makes for big hassles.
When I first moved here long-term (as I've been in and out of Hong Kong for over 10 years but have been living here continuously for about 6) there were a lot of "creature comforts" I wished I stocked up on (like you mentioned goldfish crackers). But, nowadays a lot of those can be located (sometimes requires a bit of searching) somewhere in Hong Kong (yes, we do have goldfish crackers). The big difference you'll find is price. We've got lots of luxury shopping here in Hong Kong and when it comes to baby and children's stuff, there's no exception. So, those BPA-free food holders will be available but you may have to pay 3-5 times more to buy them here in Hong Kong. Of course, this depends on a lot of things including brand-name and how rare the item is.
Nowadays, the things I wish I could easily get from the States include:
-Clothes. For myself--I don't have the proportions of a Chinese woman and I find that the standard places to buy "foreigner" clothes--especially dress clothes are extremely expensive for me...having said that I've found a few export clothes outlet stores that carry non-brandname nice dress/business clothes that I go to for my work clothes...it just takes a lot more time and effort in Hong Kong to "source" items. There is rarely one-stop shopping for anything in Hong Kong--also, not having a car and getting around everywhere by public transport makes shopping a big headache sometimes. Also, the styles here in HK are vastly different from the States so if you like a particular brand or fit of clothes, I say, bring extra.
-Shoes--again, I have large feet so forget trying to find womens' shoes that are 1) well-made 2) affordable and 3) attractive in Hong Kong. But, I have had some shoes made for me at a shoe shop here for about $50 USD. They aren't exactly well-made and don't last for years but they work. The thing I have problems finding are cute athletic shoes. Of course, I can wear men's shoes but that gets old after 6 years. I've been literally laughed out of Hong Kong shoe shops when I show them my shoe size and ask if they have anything for women. I've also been handed hideous men's loafers like, "Sorry, honey, this is all we could come up with." So, anytime I go to the States I STOCK UP on shoes. And I can wear out a pair of shoes every 6 months in Hong Kong because I just walk so much here compared with the States. Having said that, I know some women buy their shoes online and have them shipped. For me, because of how my feet are, it's not so simple so I need to try a shoe on first to know if it fits.
-Health items--especially supplements. I use a supplement called chorella. I looked for over a year for chorella tablets in Hong Kong with no success. Finally, when my sister came for a visit I had her bring some with her. So, this type of thing would be available at any high-quality health food store in the States or if not, online. However, I've heard that there is a website out of Thailand called iHerb that carries certain products like that (although, I don't think they have chorella).
In the end, I'd say that when it comes down to it, the biggest issues is cost. You can get most things here in HK but you're going to have to pay much more for them than you're used to in the States and it's likely you're going to have to run all over the place to find what you need. But, by all means, if you have a favorite food (such as a tea or coffee that you like) then bring a little extra. Or, if you want to see what Hong Kong has to offer as far as food items go to this website: http://www1.parknshop.com/WebShop/GuestVisitpage.do After you login as a guest then do a browse through their items. This is one of the biggest grocery chains in Hong Kong (they deliver for free if you buy more than $65 USD worth of food--we have food delivered about twice a month). It will give you an idea of what is commonly available--although there are other chains such as Taste, 360 and CitySuper that will have hard-to-find items sometimes.
After living here this long I've come to realize that most of the things I want are kind of passing fancies and aren't as important as I thought they were. If you have a good food processor, blender, juicer, breadmaker--those types of things, although you can get them in Hong Kong, I recommend bringing your own.
Hope these things help.
Nowadays, the things I wish I could easily get from the States include:
-Clothes. For myself--I don't have the proportions of a Chinese woman and I find that the standard places to buy "foreigner" clothes--especially dress clothes are extremely expensive for me...having said that I've found a few export clothes outlet stores that carry non-brandname nice dress/business clothes that I go to for my work clothes...it just takes a lot more time and effort in Hong Kong to "source" items. There is rarely one-stop shopping for anything in Hong Kong--also, not having a car and getting around everywhere by public transport makes shopping a big headache sometimes. Also, the styles here in HK are vastly different from the States so if you like a particular brand or fit of clothes, I say, bring extra.
-Shoes--again, I have large feet so forget trying to find womens' shoes that are 1) well-made 2) affordable and 3) attractive in Hong Kong. But, I have had some shoes made for me at a shoe shop here for about $50 USD. They aren't exactly well-made and don't last for years but they work. The thing I have problems finding are cute athletic shoes. Of course, I can wear men's shoes but that gets old after 6 years. I've been literally laughed out of Hong Kong shoe shops when I show them my shoe size and ask if they have anything for women. I've also been handed hideous men's loafers like, "Sorry, honey, this is all we could come up with." So, anytime I go to the States I STOCK UP on shoes. And I can wear out a pair of shoes every 6 months in Hong Kong because I just walk so much here compared with the States. Having said that, I know some women buy their shoes online and have them shipped. For me, because of how my feet are, it's not so simple so I need to try a shoe on first to know if it fits.
-Health items--especially supplements. I use a supplement called chorella. I looked for over a year for chorella tablets in Hong Kong with no success. Finally, when my sister came for a visit I had her bring some with her. So, this type of thing would be available at any high-quality health food store in the States or if not, online. However, I've heard that there is a website out of Thailand called iHerb that carries certain products like that (although, I don't think they have chorella).
In the end, I'd say that when it comes down to it, the biggest issues is cost. You can get most things here in HK but you're going to have to pay much more for them than you're used to in the States and it's likely you're going to have to run all over the place to find what you need. But, by all means, if you have a favorite food (such as a tea or coffee that you like) then bring a little extra. Or, if you want to see what Hong Kong has to offer as far as food items go to this website: http://www1.parknshop.com/WebShop/GuestVisitpage.do After you login as a guest then do a browse through their items. This is one of the biggest grocery chains in Hong Kong (they deliver for free if you buy more than $65 USD worth of food--we have food delivered about twice a month). It will give you an idea of what is commonly available--although there are other chains such as Taste, 360 and CitySuper that will have hard-to-find items sometimes.
After living here this long I've come to realize that most of the things I want are kind of passing fancies and aren't as important as I thought they were. If you have a good food processor, blender, juicer, breadmaker--those types of things, although you can get them in Hong Kong, I recommend bringing your own.
Hope these things help.
carang
Registered User
you can also look at http://www.anmhongkong.com (i think that's the right website). they source out of the states and while they don't have everything you'd be used to, they do carry some great "treats".
penguinsix
Registered User
A&M (yes, carang got the right website address) and Gateway are two 'Costco' importers basically. They go over to Costco, buy a ton of stuff, and then resell it here for a decent markup. Great if you miss Kirkland Cashews and Peanuts in those big boxes, and also good around Halloween to get box boxes of US candy.
carang
Registered User
from them, i like:
-different cake mixes than what is normally available
-fruit flavoured water
-bread flour (in the big bags)
-cheez-it crackers (my kids love them!)
-big jars of dill pickles (cheaper to buy from them than at the supermarket)
-alphagetti etc (occasional treat for the kids)
-fruit roll ups
-reese's peanut butter cups
-coloured mini marshmallows
-dog biscuits (overall cheaper than the supermarket)
-a & w rootbeer
Prizemart also does mixed nuts (cheaper than anm)
-different cake mixes than what is normally available
-fruit flavoured water
-bread flour (in the big bags)
-cheez-it crackers (my kids love them!)
-big jars of dill pickles (cheaper to buy from them than at the supermarket)
-alphagetti etc (occasional treat for the kids)
-fruit roll ups
-reese's peanut butter cups
-coloured mini marshmallows
-dog biscuits (overall cheaper than the supermarket)
-a & w rootbeer
Prizemart also does mixed nuts (cheaper than anm)
howardcoombs
Registered User
All kinds of good advice from Thanka2 except for the quote above.
HKG is 220V while USA is 110. For anything that has big heater&motor, you will need a big transformer to change the voltage. These beasts are big and ugly at best and can be dangerious and unsafe at worst.
If your appliance is dual voltage (most electronics and computers etc are) then by all means bring them.
Most motorized appliances will not be dual voltage and I would recommend selling or donating them. Bringing those here will not be very practical.
https://www.google.com/search?q=110...Q&biw=1277&bih=943&sei=tnHqT5fsNsalrQHunfHJBQ
We just changed the adapter on our appliances using a 220v camera adapter and haven't had any problems. Not dangerous. Not bulky or scary and also not expensive--just have to know how to do it.
Friends had an awesome HUGE plasma flatscreen they used here in HK that was from the States and had no problem finding suitable adapters either. But, yes, it's good to bring up the issue of different voltage...because you definitely don't want to fry your electric stuff.
howardcoombs
Registered User
I know exactly how to do it but it is clear from your response that you dont. Camera adapters are very different than transformers that are required for large motorized appliances that draw a lot of AMPS such as the ones you listed (Mixers, bread makers etc).We just changed the adapter on our appliances using a 220v camera adapter and haven't had any problems. Not dangerous. Not bulky or scary and also not expensive--just have to know how to do it.
Here is an Australian website, equally applicable to Hong Kong. Pay special attention to the AMPS and motors discussion within:
http://www.tortech.com.au/stepdown.html
Flatscreen is not an issue voltage wise as it has no moving parts but may have other issues especially tuner related (PAL vs NTSC) that needs to be investigated.
Yes, they're Pepperidge Farm goldfish in cheddar flavour in the 58 oz size. The price was good too. The regular size and other flavours are available in the supermarket.
I agree with Cara, the one thing I wish I could have brought along to HK was my family and best friends. All the other stuff esp food you can buy in HK at a cost and with some leg work, also for candy online ordering is becoming more and more accessible, and in terms of snacks and foods, after a while your palate will adapt. I know mine did, I found myself shaking my head when I would go back to Australia at Christmas time and be served those really sour pineapples at BBQs because the pineapples here are delicious!
I agree with others though that clothes and baby stuff esp strollers/portacots ect are way cheaper in the US and as we travel a fair bit we always buy those items when we head states side.
I agree with others though that clothes and baby stuff esp strollers/portacots ect are way cheaper in the US and as we travel a fair bit we always buy those items when we head states side.
This has been enormously helpful. I can't thank all of you enough! Given that I have two wee ones and will not be all that mobile for awhile, I think I will try to bring a few staples as well as goodies things over in bulk. (just thought of another - the shampoo that does not cause me an allergy flare up!)
Great point made here, I think. Your palate WILL ADAPT. And isn't that part of the reason why people go overseas? Some expats come to Hong Kong and experience little of the culture because they can get the "creature comforts" they are used to. But, if you are more adventurous you'll experience foods (and many other things) that will be sometimes even better than what you're used to at home. For example, the AMAZING pineapples. Not expensive. Pre-cut. Available everywhere when they're in-season. Or the beautiful, sweet mangoes. I had never had a good mango before I came to Hong Kong and I didn't even like pineapple (also, because I had never had a good one!) Now we snack on things like nori (seaweed) and things made with sesame seeds and you can get egg tarts, fresh juice, sago, "wife cakes", taro chips, jackfruit (my son LOVES dried jackfruit!). I find that the local snack foods in general have a little more nutrition and health to them than in the States. So, my kids actually don't eat many biscuits (cookies) but recently my son is on a seeds and nuts craze--so he's eating pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds and pinenuts as much as I'll let him. So, it's a great opportunity to find yummy new treats. Hong Kong certainly is a foodie's paradise so take full advantage, if you can.
I'm sure other ladies here can suggest their favorite local snackfoods.
We're from the US and I agree with a lot of the stuff in thanka's original post. Both price and variety-wise, US is better and when we go, I buy a year's worth of clothes for the kids (just hit sales), especially winter-ish stuff, shoes, toys, books (HUGELY expensive and while Amazon does deliver, that comes with higher delivery costs too). I just asked a friend to bring halloween costumes for the little ones (though can depend whether you actually have something to do on halloween). But this is just because I prefer to have the cost savings and greater variety - clothes and toys and books are all available here. Side note- my husband is a fiend for Nyquil and Ibuprofin so its a bit of a "tax" to enter our home. Kids furniture too - we buy for our kids at Ikea, which is fine, but i'm beginning to think my house looks like their catalogue.
We bought new household appliances here, not worth the transformers, but we did buy an international TV as it was still cheaper and we got to use in the US for a while.
Agree on the food front - you can get a lot of stuff here, though at a higher price but how much of that stuff can you really bring and store? Plus, you might as well get used to local stuff.
We bought new household appliances here, not worth the transformers, but we did buy an international TV as it was still cheaper and we got to use in the US for a while.
Agree on the food front - you can get a lot of stuff here, though at a higher price but how much of that stuff can you really bring and store? Plus, you might as well get used to local stuff.
i brought almost everything i could from my home country when i first moved here, for simple reason...cost. Some of the items include tv, tv console, washing machine, lots of diapers (yes i like a particular japanese brand which is priced 2-3x higher here), baby parklon playmat, baby FP rocker, toys, books etc. As others have mentioned, all these are available in hk but its more costly here. Since my hubby's coy covered all the moving cost i decided to just get the professional mover to bring everything over for me. For the electrical items - i just got new ones back in my home country so it will be a waste to leave it there and selling it wasn't an option back then. If the voltage is an issue, then don't bother. As for the baby items - baby stuffs are overpriced here and are hardly on sale. So why not ship the necessary items over if you have an option...things like baby crib, stroller, baby carrier, breast pump, FP toys, educational books for baby and toddlers are expensive here! Besides, you will save the hassle of lugging it back from the shops to your apartment....of cos this will not be an issue if you have a car here